Cerro Gordo, Illinois

JULY 21, 2008

The monthly meeting of the President and the Board of Trustee met on July 21, 2008 at the Municipal Building, located at 231 East South Street in Cerro Gordo, IL. Those present were President Jim Morgan, Trustees Brad Williams, Lyle Shoraga, Terry Lovekamp, Carol Huff, Ron Price, and Mike Songer. Also present were D.P.W. Rob Bratton, P.C. Pat Carter, and Clerk Linda Ash.

The meeting was called to order and the Public Forum took place. A resident asked if something could not be done about the reckless behavior of bicycle riders. Several have had near run-ins with bicyclists on the sidewalks as they are coming out of the restaurant or other establishments.

Another resident asked about the noise from the railroad whistles. According to him, when he contacted the railroad, he was told the mayor needs to call about the train whistles. He will do so. This has been a topic of discussion in the past with no results from the railroad.

C. Martin still has stopped up whistles.

Minutes were read and approved on a motion by Trustee Shoraga, second Williams, all yeas.

CLAIMS REPORT

There were no additions to the claims report for this month. Motion to pay claims made by Trustee Williams, second Songer, all yeas.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Cris was not at the meetings. No reports of adjustments. Motion to approve treasurer’s report made by Trustee Shoraga, second Songer, all yeas.

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

The water/sewer work at Ridgeway’s is hooked up and the sewer is hooked up at Carnahan’s. Burdick is working on replacing the guides on the Franklin Street lift station. Steel rods will be used. There are still some rags coning through.

Oiling will begin on Thursday, weather permitting. Roads to be oiled and chipped are Lincoln Street, Jefferson Street-from South Street to highway 32, Frantz and Washington. The transmitter for the tower is in. The cheaper transmitter ran the tower over. Rob feels that the pressure from this caused the water line in front of the bus barn to break.

President Morgan had a report of water services in the area. The average water rates for the area are $65.00.

CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT

Pat thanked Randy West for his help with the July 4 water break in front of the firehouse. There were 123 calls for the month for Cerro Gordo, four calls for Cisco. Cisco report included a $936.42 profit for the month. Golf cart registration has started and currently have three registered. Carts have to have an insurance card and the sticker must be affixed to the cart. Pat would like to modify # 16 in the ordinance for modification of suspensions.

NEW BUSINESS

Dave Happ, engineer for the Village, has looked at the Casey’s plan. There is some concern about the drainage. The plan calls for the drainage to go into the field behind the planned Casey’s. It would be wise to ask Casey’s to slow the water down with rip rap or some other material to ease erosion. It would also be a good opportunity to have Casey’s put in a sidewalk. Dave will write a letter to Casey’s about the drainage.

Dave has also been looking into the drainage problems. A study can be done that will seek a resolution and a plan for the drainage project. This could be done over the next 5-10 years. The estimate for this project is $15,000. The Board could look at just the south east side and the cost would be half the amount.

Nothing to report on the fair zoning. There were no bids received for Mark’s old truck. Trustee Songer has people coming to measure the room for a PA system. Hopefully he will have at least 5 different bids. One option would be to turn off the furnace during the meetings. That furnace controls the dentist office and the front office. The meeting room has its own furnace. To adopt the FEMA plan, Colette will need to draw up resolution.

A communications committee could help ward off the distorted coffee shop chatter. If anyone has a question, the right answer would come from this committee. The newsletter does a great job getting information to the residents. Trustee Lovekamp and Mayor Morgan will work on this.

OLD BUSINESS

Vulgamott building-Colette and Mr. Schuering are working on that. Finally received a lease agreement from Mediacom. It will be renewable every three years and will include free internet service for the Village offices, the Police Department, the ambulance service, and the fire department. Motion to accept lease agreement made by Trustee Williams, second Songer, all yeas.

TRUSTEE'S REPORT

Trustee Shoraga- has been approached with concerns on the drainage issue, and also the fair grounds rezoning.

Trustee Songer-bike rules are needed. A bike safety course for the kids would be a good idea. Perhaps the police department could put something together. Also states that we need to get serious about the water main project even if it means a long term loan. A grant would be better if there are any available.

Clerk Ash will be on vacation the effective July 23 to July 28.

There was no further business to discuss and the meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm on a motion by Trustee Shoraga, second Huff.
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Village Clerk 7/21/08